Lavender — Sault

When you think of Provence, does lavender come to mind?  It’s mythic here.  Although it was only introduced to the region in the 1920s, it’s become synonymous with Provence.  When it’s in bloom, it is an impressive site.  Although there are fields near our house, the best we’ve found are in the hill towns of the Luberon.  Sault in particular has huge fields in an idyllic setting.  Here are the images from our trip to the village this summer with our friend Nicolas (who you may remember from earlier posts).  Thanks to him for this image.

 

 

Alexander liked playing with the rocks and lavender.

 

We also had the opportunity to meet Nicolas’ parents whose house is in the area.  They have also trained their Jack Russel Terrier to hunt for truffles (AKA black gold and very tasty).  In the span of only a few minutes, the dog had found this HUGE truffle meters from their house.  Although it looks black, it’s apparently a white truffle.

 

Nicolas and the truffle for size reference.

 

Nicolas’ parents had outfitted their house for Amandine.  Alexander enjoyed the house too.

 

The little man with his sun hat.

 

 

Nicolas, Amandine, Alexander and Anna.  Alexander is wondering … what’s over there?  I want to go there.

 

The region around Sault … lavender fields strike a strong contrast with the rest of the fields.

 

Sault from a distance.

 

 

Did I mention Alex likes to play with rocks??

 

 

 

More lavender fields around Sault…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential to the health of the flowers, bees are a big part of the eco-system.  As a result, there are lots of beekeepers or apiarists in the area.  They offer tours and tastings like many wineries in the area.  The lavender honey is like ambrosia.

 

From the village of Sault.

 

The view from the village square.

 

 

The Nesques Gorge.

 

Anna enjoyed the spectacular gorge.

 

That finishes our short escapade in the lavender fields.

 

Until the next adventure.

 

–Jim

Alexander — First Birthday

Well, although this is really late, below are the images from Alexander’s first birthday party … back in June.  I have upgraded my photo processing software (thanks, Julie) and hopefully will be slightly more prompt with my posts.  Time will tell.  🙂

 

Also, a big thanks to René who was kind enough to take pictures and enabled Anna and I to enjoy the party.  Here is the birthday boy opening his first presents.  He kinda figured it out…

 

 

I don’t know if he’ll want to be a pilot when he grows up, but at least he has a place-mat to inspire him in the meantime.

 

 

A fun book to read.

 

 

 

Alex still loves his magnetic train.  Thanks, Daisy!

 

 

Alex, Juliette and Natalia all playing together.

 

 

 

Drinks from the party.  Don’t worry, we didn’t mix up the bottles for the kids.

 

Salome already looking the part of a French star.

 

 

Ludo, Amélie, Christine and Manu … with David and the girls playing bags in the background.

 

 

Happy Birthday to you, Alexander.

 

Trying to protect the candles from often-present wind.

 

Alex had a little help blowing out his candles.

 

Anna cooked a delicious red velvet cake, plus chocolate cookies for the occasion.

 

Nay, Natalia and her daddy blowing bubbles. Always a fun game.

 

Soooo good.

 

 

 

Yup, he shared the cake with me … of course, it wasn’t in my mouth, but it was very kind nonetheless.

 

So, that finishes the images from Alexander’s birthday party.  It was a fun, simple event with our friends.  Next time, we hope family can join too…

 

Until the next adventure.

 

–Jim